GSC2507

Politics and society

Keith Wilson

8 points
* 3 hours per week
* First semester
* Gippsland and distance
* Prerequisites: GSC1503 and GSC1504 or equivalents

Objectives Students should gain from this subject a clear and critical understanding of the classics of political philosophy, political science and the main debates in which contemporary thinkers are engaged regarding Politics, power, freedom, justice and citizenship.

Synopsis This subject introduces students to modern political philosophers such as Hobbes, Locke, Mill, Marx and Burke. These studies will be linked to theories developed in support of autocratic, totalitarian, republican and democratic institutions, processes of politics and government. The main approaches to modern political analysis; behaviouralism, pluralism, elitism and various forms of structuralism will be examined. The radical critics of modern society and politics, including feminists will be introduced. These will include Nietzsche, Oakshott, Foucault, Carole Pateman, Habermas and Althusser.

Assessment Tutorial paper including oral presentation (300 words) and written presentation (1200 words): 20%
* Essay (2500 words): 40%
* Examination (2 hours): 40%

Prescribed texts

Beilharz P (ed.) Social theory: A guide to central thinkers Allen and Unwin, 1991
Muschamp D (ed.) Political thinkers Macmillan, 1986